Last Foreign Visit for HMAS Success before Retiring

07 Juni 2019

HMAS Success tanker ship (photo : RAN)

Success completes her last overseas port visit

HMAS Success has completed her last foreign port visit after 33 years of proud service in the Royal Australian Navy.

Success’ visit to Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, was also the final port visit by the Indo-Pacific 2019 (IPE19) Joint Task Group, which also included HMA Ships Canberra and Newcastle.

While in the country, members of ship’s company participated in welcome events, community engagement, official hospitality and sporting activities to engage with their Indonesian Navy colleagues.

Over three days, they also discussed what Success does best: replenishing ships of all shapes and sizes at sea.

The Navy’s first and only imam, Chaplain Mogamat Majidih Essa, also led a prayer after completion of the buka puasa, or the breaking of the fast, during the blessed month of Ramadan.

“It was a great honour to represent the Royal Australian Navy at this event,” Chaplain Essa said.

“I know the locals here were very appreciative and I feel humbled.”

Chaplain Essa and Success Chaplain Simote Finau also had the privilege to be invited for the early morning meal by a local Indonesian family.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Darren Grogan, said the visit was important.

“Indonesia is a vital partner for us; we are close friends and neighbours and share the world’s longest maritime boundary,” Captain Grogan said.

“Our defence relationship is a longstanding one focussed on a wide variety of security-related matters like counter terrorism, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and peacekeeping.

“This was a successful port visit for us and the IPE19 Joint Task Force, but this is the last time this hardworking, proud and professional Navy ship will get to see foreign shores.”

Success will stop in Cairns and Brisbane on the way to Sydney for her decommissioning at the end of next month.

(RAN)

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